Manchester United: Wayne Rooney blames performances for failing to make top four

Wayne Rooney has refused to deflect blame from Manchester United's performance, which led to them finishing outside the top four for the second time in three years. The Red Devils ended level on points with Manchester City but were behind on goal difference, which led to them finishing in fifth spot, guaranteeing them Europa League football for the coming season.

The Red Devils beat Bournemouth 3-1 on the last game of the season but it was too little too late for the 20-time English Champions, who are yet to decide on Louis Van Gaal's future. The Dutchman is under pressure from Jose Mourinho, who has revealed that he will be back in management from July, having spent six months out of work after being sacked by Chelsea. Van Gaal's future is likely to hinge on their ability to win the FA Cup final, which they play on Saturday, 21 May at Wembley.

Meanwhile, Rooney believes that United have to buckle up if they have to win their rightful place in the league back, especially with a lot of clubs competing for top honours. The Red Devils were top of the table for a period in September but fell off from that point on and have not been able to get back to where they belong.

"In the Premier League, after 38 games, you finish where you deserve to finish. There are no complaints from us as players. We weren't good enough to finish in the top four this season and we need to improve on that next season," Rooney said, as quoted by the Express.

"Of course a club of this size, with this history, we want to be playing in the biggest competition. It is very disappointing not to make it, but we've got to pull ourselves together for the game on Saturday. Hopefully we can end the season on a high."